The 44th Tokhü Emong was celebrated on 7th November 2023 in Bhadari, Wokha district, with Achumbemo Kikon, MLA 40 A/C Bhandari as the Special Guest, DIPR informed. The event was held at Public Sports Ground Bhandari town with the theme “Forgiveness and Reconciliation”.

In his speech Achumbemo stated that Bhandari sub-division is a very vast area still in need of development and growth in many aspects. He appealed to the people to be retrospective, to broaden their mindsets and to continue accommodating one another as a support system to usher in growth, development and change for betterment of all.

The MLA also urged the eleven wards and colonies of Bhandari town to identify and propose to initiate developmental project required by each ward as part of community infrastructural development plan within the given five years.

“Bhandari, having been accorded the status of SDPDB recently, we now have the privilege to deliberate and highlight the areas where special focus are necessary on priority basis for development”, Kikon said, and called upon the officers serving in the sub division to have first hand knowledge about the challenges and difficulties facing the villages to assist them to improve.

He also urged the present generation of the Lotha community to give importance to the beautiful culture and strong Lotha dialect. “Never neglect but strengthen our language, because people without distinct language may face identity crisis and disadvantages in the future”, he cautioned.

Dr M Libanthung Ngullie, Retd. Principal, the narrator of “Tokhü Story” narrated that Tokhü Emong is not only a harvest festival or a festival of thanks giving, sharing and reconciliation but the most beautiful aspect of the festival is that past rancours are forgiven and new ties are formed.

Eloe Hoho Bhandari, Eran Shari Bhandari and Akuk Ekhüng Bhandari presented folk songs and folk dances. The festival was organized by GBs Councils and Tokhü Emong Organizing Committee, Bhandari.